The design of this mask is based on an old Yup’ik ivory net shuttle. Net shuttles are simple but important tools used to hold the material used for weaving nets. These tools are found throughout the world, both in history and the modern day, and my ancestors used them to make nets to catch fish and birds.

Shuttles can also be used to mend damaged nets, which is the idea that inspired this mask. Nets get damaged as part of their normal use, but they are not tossed aside once this happens. Instead, the hole is repaired, sometimes with the original material and sometimes with a substitute. The important aspect is that the net continues to do its work, whether or not it looks and feels as it once did. This piece is about mending our own nets, and maybe even sometimes making new ones, but continuing on as we find ways to heal and make ourselves whole again.

In terms of materials and design, white, red, and blue (as well as black) are the most common colors traditionally used on Yup’ik masks. The designs on the seals are inspired by the original artifact and other Yup’ik line design. The copper is an offering to our ancestors, which is a teaching I learned from Yup’ik elder Chuna McIntyre’s work.